In the story “Civil Peace,” Jonathan says “Nothing puzzles God” every time something miraculous happens. It means that anything can happen, but God, being omniscient, is not surprised even when mortals are surprised.

What does Jonathan mean by this expression nothing puzzles God?

Jonathan, the main character, is optimistic and faithful in his God. “ Nothing puzzles God”, he says. He believes that God knows the meaning of what happens to him even if he does not know what something is or why it happened in the first place.

What is the significance of nothing puzzles God in Civil Peace?

When Jonathan replies that he only has 20 pounds, the leader of the robbers demands he hand the money through the open window. After they take the money, life goes on as usual for Jonathan because “Nothing Puzzles God,” meaning that the robbery has a greater meaning in God’s eyes than how it seemed to Jonathan.

What does the bicycle symbolize in Civil Peace?

Jonathan’s bicycle is representative of his intelligence and work ethic, as well as the faith which continues to help him through his struggles in the aftermath of the war. During the war, Jonathan almost loses the bicycle when a possibly corrupt Biafran army officer tries to requisition it.

How does Jonathan begin to rebuild his life after the war?

He scavenges for material to rebuild his home and finds a carpenter to install a door and window shutters. Jonathan moves his family into their old home, and others come out of the “forest holes” and begin rebuilding (83). The family works to rebuild their lives.

What is an egg rasher?

The ex-gratia, which Jonathan and others in the story pronounce as “egg-rasher,” is a payment that the Nigerian government provides to citizens who turn in any of the Biafran money that they still hold from during the Civil War.
Aug 16, 2021

What is the moral of the story Civil Peace?

The moral of “Civil Peace” is that optimism is extremely valuable, even (and especially) when one’s situation is dire.

What was the most valuable thing to Johnathan in a civil peace?

In this passage, Jonathan uses a phrase that is deeply important to him: Nothing puzzles God. This is both an affirmation of God’s power and wisdom, and an expression of gratitude to God for keeping the bicycle safe during the war.

How is Jonathan optimistic in civil peace?

Jonathan’s efforts to make money are all entrepreneurial. His optimism makes him believe he can rebuild through effort, and so he does: he works as a taxi driver with his bike; he starts a bar; his wife cooks and sells food.

What are the five blessings for which Jonathan is grateful ?( Civil peace?

The ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful are his head, his wife Maria’s head, and the heads of three out of their four children. That means he is grateful for the survival of five family members.
Jun 7, 2021

What does a bicycle symbolize in life?

The Bicycle as a symbol of progress, of renewal, of promising times ahead — this is not a new concept. Indeed it has been around since the invention of the bicycle. Many bicycle posters at end of the 19th century featured promising themes like liberation, progress, freedom.
Mar 8, 2012

What does it mean life is like a bicycle?

People are like bicycles. They can keep their balance only as long as they keep moving. It is the same with people as it is with riding a bike. Only when moving can one comfortably maintain one’s balance.
Jun 28, 2015

What is bicycle metaphor?

The bicycle is both a technological marvel of innovation, efficiency and flexibility, and a metaphor for behavioral, appropriate-technology, opt-in solutions. The bicycle is both a mighty machine in its own right, and a mighty metaphor for solutions which are already well within our grasp.
Jan 15, 2011

What is Jonathan referring to when he says or is it greater than other things that went with the war?

After the robbery, Johnathan says, “Or is it greater than other things that went with the war?” To what is he referring? He’s referring to life, after everything that happened with the war, a little money doesn’t matter, as long as his 5 inestimable blessings are still alive.

What are the five blessing for with Jonathan is grateful?

What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful? The ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful are his head, his wife Maria’s head, and the heads of three out of their four children. That means he is grateful for the survival of five family members.
Jun 7, 2021

How do Jonathan’s neighbors respond when he calls for help make an inference about why and support it with evidence?

How do Jonathan’s neighbors respond when he calls for help? Make an inference about why, and support it with evidence. Jonathan had saved money that he earned from turning in rebel money. But when the thieves came that night to rob them off it, he and his family cried at the top of their voices for help.

How does the setting affect Jonathan’s outlook on his house Jonathan is doubtful?

What effect does the setting have on Jonathan’s thoughts and feelings? Jonathan becomes more grateful for his house and the new business he has started.

What kind of person is Jonathan in Civil Peace?

relentless optimist

Jonathan is a relentless optimist and believes deeply in the will of God, as indicated by his favorite proverb: “Nothing puzzles God.” Although he lost a son in the war and was forced to flee his home, he is always grateful for the blessings that he still has—such as his wife, his three remaining children, and his …

Why is Jonathan surprised that his house?

Why is Jonathan surprised that his house in Enugu is still intact? His ex-miner friends had told him the house was destroyed. Enugu had been bombed during the war.